Contaminated Sites

Slaughterhouses

The process required for meat production produces large amounts of wastewater and solid waste. The wastewater of slaughterhouses is made up of a complex protein mixture. Ususally, these wastes are discharged into the sewage or directly into bodies of water, such as streams, rivers, and lakes. Treatment for this waste is through an anaerobic process. This process is established on the capability of microorganisms to remove the biodegradable matter in the water using assimilation and decomposition. Generally, this process consists of 4 stages: hydrolysis, acidogenic stage, production of hydrogen and acetic acid, and lastly conversion of the waste to become carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide. (C1)

P44

P45

Ben and Jerry's

Ben and Jerry's operates a premium ice cream facility in Waterbury, Vermont. It produces, on average, 24,000 gallons of ice cream a week. In 1987, it elected to construct a lagoon to treat the waste that is created from making ice cream. Ben and Jerry's waste is extremely high in strength; concentrations are generally above 10 grams per liter, often exceeding 20 grams. Due to the large amount of sugar, chocolate, and other ingredients included in the ice cream, the wastes are high in soluble BOD. Advanced BioTech Complete Waste and Odor treatment were added to the lagoon every two weeks. After about eight weeks of this treatment, the solid waste collected and odors were eliminated. (C2) (C3)

Companies' Environmental Stewardships

Starbucks

Starbucks is looking for an approach to reduce their enviromental inpacts through all aspects of their business. They are building more efficient facilities and stores, conserving water and energy, and pushing their customers to recycle. Over the years, their iconic white cup has caused the rise of concerns among their customers. Because of this, Starbucks goal by 2015 is to establish 100 percent of the cups to be resuable. Starbucks has carried out recycling in 18 markets, formed partnerships, and started 3 recylcing pilots across the country. (C4)

P71

P72

The Walt Disney Company

Disney's goal is to have zero net greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and conserve water. This follows the impacts of avoiding gas releases, reducing emissions through efficiencies, replacing high-carbon fuels with low-carbon alternatives, and then using certified offsets for the rest. By 2020, they have the hopes to reduce the emissions by 50 percent. Along with that, they hope to have zero waste by recycling, composting, and many other things as well. Disney recognizes the importance of conserving water. They want to maintain the levels used at sites and collaborate with irrigation companies to reclaim water. (C5)

Chick-Fil-A

Chick-Fil-A's vision is to have a positive impact on their community as they serve and open businesses. Their journey focuses on their restaurants-providing better food in greener and more efficient buildings with less waste. For many years, they hae been incorporating a more friendly recycling program that includes plastic bags and cardboard. They even want to expand their recycling project of foam cups. Click the video to learn more. (C6)

V5

Shaily Mahendra explains that during the process of bioremediation, she uses bacteria and fungi to signify levels of pollution and of the ecosystem's health. The same microorganisms can be use to detoxify many enviromental pollutants. (V2)

Not only does algae provide benefits for agricultural purposes, it also helps in waste treatment. The algae is placed into the contaminate and they consume it, restoring and purifying the water. (V3)